Khaberni - Israeli Channel 12 reported Netanyahu's announcement about the ceasefire, stating that the decision was made "upon Donald Trump's request and because of the interests with the United States, he complied with the request", adding that the Israeli military "will remain in the positions it currently holds even during the ceasefire period".
The Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported that Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon without a vote from the security cabinet.
The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" reported on Thursday that the Israeli military is preparing for a ceasefire in Lebanon at 7:00 PM local time.
The newspaper clarified that military leaders have been instructed to prepare the forces currently deployed in southern Lebanon for the ceasefire, which they were told would start at 7:00 PM.
Expanding the security zone
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to expand the security zone in southern Lebanon amid ongoing fighting with Hezbollah, as announced by his office late Wednesday night, while Lebanese-Israeli talks are expected to be held later today, Thursday.
American President Donald Trump stated Thursday morning that talks would take place between Israel and Lebanon today. He wrote on his "Truth Social" account: "An attempt to calm the atmosphere between Israel and Lebanon. It's been a long time since the last dialogue between the leaders, about 34 years", adding that this would happen later on Thursday.
In the meantime, Israel continues its negotiations with Lebanon, while the security cabinet discussed the possibility of reaching a ceasefire during Wednesday's meeting, which ended without a decision, according to media reports and a post by a journalist on the "Axios" website on the "X" platform.
Representatives from Israel and Lebanon held direct political talks in Washington, Tuesday, for the first time in decades.
Netanyahu stated that these talks aim to disarm Hezbollah and achieve lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese government, not being a party in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, is seeking a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continued on Wednesday.
Netanyahu added that the security zone would also be expanded eastward towards the slopes of Mount Hermon, in order to support the Druze communities. This mountain range stretches along the Syrian-Lebanese border and reaches the Golan Heights, which was annexed by Israel.
